Barista

Barista

Counter Staff, Baristas, and Runners are the heart of the Bewick guest experience. This role is the most visible and guest-facing position in the café — the first voice a guest hears at the counter, the hands that deliver their coffee and food, and the eyes that keep the dining room feeling welcoming and cared for throughout the day. This is not a passive role. It requires genuine hospitality, attention to detail, pride in craft, and a willingness to do whatever the shift needs — including pitching in on dishes and cleaning without being asked. At Bewick, everyone takes care of the space and everyone takes care of each other.

Reports To: Lead Barista / Assistant Manager or General Manager / Managing Partner, depending on shift

Performance Metrics

• Counter service and order taking accuracy
• Beverage preparation quality and consistency
• Food running and table delivery
• Table maintenance and dining room appearance
• Bakery case stocking and presentation
• Guest experience and hospitality standards
• Online order management
• Cleanliness and participation in shared kitchen and dining room upkeep

Responsibilities

Counter Service & Order Taking

• Welcome every guest warmly within five seconds of their arrival, making eye contact and setting a tone that says they are genuinely welcome here.
• Guide guests through the menu with confidence and enthusiasm — offering specific recommendations, explaining the small plates concept, and helping guests build an experience rather than just placing an order.
• Ask whether guests are dining in or carrying out before taking their order, and enter everything accurately into Toast including all modifiers, dietary needs, and special requests.
• Invite every new guest to join Bewick's rewards program and opt in to email and SMS updates before issuing their table number.
• Issue table numbers warmly and direct dining-in guests clearly — "Find any seat you like, we'll bring everything right out to you."
• When a line is forming, alert a teammate to offer samples from the bakery case to guests who are waiting.

Beverage Preparation

• Prepare Bewick's full beverage menu with consistency, care, and pride — including drip coffee, espresso drinks, specialty lattes, matcha, tea, spirit-free fizzes and spritzes, and any other items on the current menu.
• Follow Bewick's beverage recipes and standards precisely, never cutting corners on quality regardless of how busy the shift is.
• Keep the bar area clean, organized, and fully stocked throughout your shift — wiping down equipment, restocking supplies, and maintaining a workspace you'd be proud for any guest to see.
• Communicate any equipment issues or supply shortages to the Lead Barista or manager on duty immediately.

Food Running & Table Delivery

• Deliver food and beverages to the correct guest at the correct table promptly and with warmth — confirming each dish and making sure every guest has what they need before walking away.
• Check back with guests a few minutes after food is delivered with a genuine "How is everything tasting?" — and handle any issues with empathy and good judgment, involving a manager when needed.
• Communicate any delays or issues from the kitchen to guests proactively and honestly — never leave a guest wondering where their food is.
• During dinner table service, support the full steps of service alongside the manager on duty — running food, refilling water, and ensuring every table feels attended to throughout their meal.

Table Maintenance & Dining Room Appearance

• Monitor the dining room continuously throughout your shift, clearing plates and cups promptly once guests have finished and resetting tables efficiently for the next guest.
• Keep the dining room clean, tidy, and welcoming at all times — wiping tables, straightening chairs, and addressing any spills or messes immediately.
• Never walk past a dirty table, a guest who needs something, or a mess on the floor without addressing it.
• During slower periods, use the time to deep clean, restock, and prepare the dining room for the next rush rather than standing idle.
• Participate fully in opening and closing cleaning responsibilities as directed by the Lead Barista or manager on duty.

Bakery Case Stocking & Presentation

• Monitor the bakery case throughout your shift, restocking items from the kitchen as needed and maintaining a display that is beautiful, organized, and appetizing at all times.
• Communicate with the kitchen when bakery items are running low so they can be replenished before the case looks sparse.
• Know the full bakery menu — every item, its ingredients, and any relevant allergen information — so you can speak to it confidently and enthusiastically when guests ask.
• Offer samples from the bakery case to guests who are browsing or waiting in line, making the case an active part of the guest experience rather than a passive display.

Online Order Management

• Monitor the online ordering queue throughout your shift, ensuring orders are acknowledged, accurately prepared, and ready for pickup within the promised timeframe.
• Communicate any delays or issues with online orders to the kitchen and to guests promptly — never let an online order guest arrive to find their order isn't ready without warning.
• Package online orders carefully and completely, double-checking items against the ticket before sealing and labeling.
• Greet online order pickup guests with the same warmth as any walk-in guest — a quick, efficient, and friendly interaction that leaves them wanting to order again.

Cleanliness & Shared Kitchen and Dining Room Upkeep

• Take full ownership of the cleanliness of your workspace and the shared spaces of the café throughout every shift — this includes the counter, bar area, dining room, and when needed, the dish area.
• Pitch in on dishes and dishwashing without being asked when the dish area needs support and your primary responsibilities are caught up.
• Follow all food safety and sanitation standards consistently — handwashing, surface sanitizing, proper food handling, and correct storage at all times.
• Approach cleaning and upkeep as an extension of hospitality — a clean, well-maintained café tells every guest that we take pride in this place and in their experience here.

Compensation Details

Compensation: Hourly ($17.00 - $19.00) plus tips

Estimated Weekly Tips: $200.00

Benefits & Perks: Health Insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance, Dining Discounts

Required Skills

Passion for Coffee

Teamwork

Time Management

Attention to Detail

Effective Communication

Multitasking

Adaptability

Team Collaboration